Sadiq Khan issues new update to controversial Ulez affecting petrol and diesel drivers

To help petrol and diesel motorists deal with the impact of the zone’s expansion, as well as the cost of living crisis, the scrappage scheme will help drivers ditch older cars.

From today, every Londoner with a non-compliant car will be eligible for a £2,000 grant under the new guidance.

Small businesses and sole traders will also benefit from grants worth up to £21,000 to scrap up to three vans.

The extended grant will also allow charities to receive up to £27,000 to scrap up to three minibuses.

With the latest step, a total of £160million has been invested in the scrappage scheme, which is now on a first come, first served basis.

Commenting on the expansion, Sadiq Khan said: “I have always said that expanding the Ulez to the whole of London was a difficult decision, and not one I took lightly – but it’s a decision I remain committed to seeing through.

“I’m not prepared to step back, delay or water down vital green policies like ULEZ, which will not only save lives and protect children’s lungs by cleaning up our polluted air but help us to fight the climate crisis.

“As we continue to build a greener and healthier London for everyone, I’m determined that no Londoner and no London business is left behind.”

Car and motorcycle scrappage schemes were initially prioritised for low-income and disabled Londoners to ensure they had support before the Ulez expanded again.

With the Ulez scheme set to expand in just over a week, many have criticised Transport for London and Sadiq Khan for leaving it too late to help the majority of Londoners.

If someone drives a non-compliant petrol and diesel vehicle, they will face a £12.50 daily charge, potentially resulting in drivers being hit with thousands of pounds worth of fines.

The Ulez is being extended on August 29 and is set to include almost the entirety of Greater London, with cameras being installed around the capital.

These cameras have also been a source of controversy as so-called “Blade Runners” have been vandalising cameras, including cutting their wires, obscuring the view of the camera or even stealing them.

Furious drivers around the capital have already vandalised almost 400 cameras, with the Metropolitan Police releasing a picture of a suspect accused of damaging a camera in June.

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Despite this, Transport for London said camera vandalism “will not stop” the Ulez expansion, with TfL working with social media companies to identify those responsible for the damage.